Chapter 87 Imperial Marriage
The Left Prime Minister was taken away, and Gao Zhao was also resurrected and re-examined by the coroner.
Without the Left Prime Minister's obstruction, the whole truth eventually came to light.
Gao Zhao died of asphyxiation due to excessive excitement caused by taking aphrodisiac pills after getting drunk; this is commonly known as "immediate madness."
The wounds on his body were inflicted after his death.
As for why his body was dumped in the study after his death, and why Fu Yunting was present at the scene, even holding the murder weapon, these questions remain unanswered. But at least they prove that Fu Yunting is innocent.
On the day of his release, Fu Yunxiu also went to see him. The man who hadn't shed a tear even when his skin was torn and bleeding in prison was now crying like a child in Fu Yunxiu's arms.
"Alright, alright, it's all over now." Fu Yunting gently patted his back.
After a long while, Fu Yunting finally stopped crying. Looking at Fu Yunxiu's noticeably thinner body, he said, "Brother, thank you for these past few days."
"Why are we talking like family?" Fu Yunxiu chuckled. "Let's go, we can talk about it when we get back."
The two returned to the inn, where Mantou used some prepared pomelo leaves, dipped in water, to ward off bad luck for Fu Yunting. Hot water was already prepared in the room, and Fu Yunting took a comfortable hot bath and changed into dry clothes.
Tall and elegant, he exuded the air of a noble young master.
"How are you? Are your injuries alright? Should we get another doctor to take a look?" Fu Yunxiu said.
"No need, brother. General Shen has already had a doctor examine me in prison these past few days. He said the wound is healing well and there's nothing to worry about."
"Brother, General Shen is such a good person," Fu Yunting said. It was General Shen who had taken care of things for him in prison, saving him a lot of suffering.
Fu Yunxiu smiled but didn't reply. Instead, he brought up the matter of the Marquis's residence, saying, "Yunting, there's something you need to know."
Seeing his serious expression, Fu Yunting also stopped smiling and asked solemnly, "What is it?"
Fu Yunxiu said, "During your time in prison, many things happened in the Marquis's mansion. Second Uncle, together with the clan elders, recommended himself as the head of the family and will soon report to His Majesty to inherit the title. Moreover, Fu Fu... Mother also fell ill. The doctor said it was caused by a sudden attack of anger that caused evil spirits to enter her body, and she will probably have to spend the rest of her life in bed."
Upon hearing the words "anger over the heart," Fu Yunting immediately understood, "Mother's illness... is because of me."
Fu Yunting felt guilty and regretful. If he hadn't drunk alcohol that day and hadn't clashed with Gao Zhao, none of this would have happened.
His throat tightened, "It's all my fault, it's all because I, as a son, have been unfilial."
Fu Yunting beat his chest in frustration. Fu Yunxiu grabbed his hand, "Don't think like that. You've suffered an undeserved disaster. The most important thing right now is to figure out who is trying to harm you."
To be able to get the already dead Gao Zhao out of the brothel without being discovered, and to drug him and drag him out of the dormitory, this person must be someone of high status and exceptional skill.
But he had always been law-abiding and had never offended anyone. So no matter how hard Fu Yunting racked his brains, he couldn't figure out who wanted to harm him.
With the Marquis's residence in complete chaos, Fu Yunxiu could not stay any longer. After confirming that Fu Yunting was safe, he returned to Yongzhou that same day.
Because the case was not yet closed, Fu Yunting could not leave the capital for the time being, so he could only ask Fu Yunxiu to tell Madam Fu that he was doing well.
The carriage sped along, arriving in Yongzhou in the dead of night.
Fu Yunxiu quietly entered the house without alerting anyone else. After washing up, he sneaked out through the back door before curfew.
In the Wutong Garden, Aman had already gone to rest.
These past few days, the flower dew business has been exceptionally good. She sets up her stall in the morning, picks flowers in the afternoon, and boils flower dew at night. She's doing the work of three people all by herself. She's so tired that she falls into a deep sleep as soon as her head hits the pillow.
Fu Yunxiu peeked through the crack in the door and saw that the candlelight in the courtyard had gone out. Afraid of disturbing Aman's rest, he did not knock on the door, but instead climbed over the wall using a large tree by the wall.
The moonlight tonight was as clear as water, illuminating the courtyard brightly. The familiar scenery soothed Fu Yunxiu's anxiety and restlessness of the past few days.
Pushing open Aman's door, the room was quiet, with only Aman's soft breathing and a faint floral fragrance.
He took off his outer garment and threw it aside, then lifted the quilt and crawled inside.
Sensing movement nearby, Aman opened her eyes, and the face that had haunted her dreams for so long came into view.
Aman thought she was dreaming and reached out to touch his face. The warm touch felt so real, accompanied by a faint scent of pine resin.
Aman smiled, then snuggled into his arms, found a comfortable position, and fell into a deep sleep again.
With a soft, fragrant body in his arms, Fu Yunxiu looked at Aman's completely unreserved attitude towards him, his heart pounding, his mind filled with a complex mix of emotions.
If all goes well, His Majesty's decree of marriage will be issued to the Marquis's residence tomorrow.
Fu Yunxiu gently stroked Aman's cheek. Her smooth skin was delicate and flawless, her curled eyelashes were like small fans, and her red lips were slightly pouting. Perhaps she had eaten something delicious in her dream, because she would occasionally smack her lips.
The sleeping Aman was so innocent and beautiful, which made Fu Yunxiu feel even more guilty.
What would Aman do if she knew he was getting married?
She's so understanding; she must have realized his difficult situation!
The next day, Aman woke up quite early. The room was empty, and there was no sign of anyone else sleeping on the bed. Aman frowned as she recalled the almost vivid dream she had last night.
I missed you so much, that I had such a dream. But I wonder how things are going with you in the capital, and when you will return.
After lazing around in bed for a while, Aman got up and found that the basin on the shelf already contained warm water for washing her face.
Thinking of a certain possibility, Aman quickly finished washing up, got dressed and went out, just in time to run into Fu Yunxiu who came to call her.
"You're awake," Fu Yunxiu asked with a smile.
"Hmm." Aman was overwhelmed by the sudden surprise and was still a little dizzy. "Young Master? When did you return?"
“I came back last night, but you were sleeping soundly, so I didn’t wake you,” Fu Yunxiu said.
Last night, that means she wasn't dreaming!
Seeing her in a daze, Fu Yunxiu couldn't help but chuckle and waved the plate in his hand, "I made some porridge, come and have a taste."
The two sat down in the pavilion, and Fu Yunxiu served Aman some porridge. Aman took a bite and found it quite delicious; the rice was cooked to the perfect consistency, and the porridge was fragrant.
"It's delicious," Aman praised sincerely.
"If it tastes good, then drink more. You seem to have lost weight while I've been away," Fu Yunxiu said.
Ah Man thought to herself that she had been eating well lately and had actually gained weight, while Fu Yunxiu had lost a lot of weight.
But there's a kind of thinness that only those who care about you think you're thin.
Aman was very pleased and just kept nodding. "And you, how are things going in the capital?"
Speaking of this, Fu Yunxiu paused in his porridge-drinking motion. "That's good. Yunting's innocence has been proven. We just need to find out who's behind it all so we can close the case."
"That's great!" Aman was happy to hear that Fu Yunting had been acquitted, but she always felt that when the young master talked about this matter, he always hesitated, as if he was hiding something from her.
"Young Master"
Just as Aman was about to ask, Fu Yunxiu called out to her first, "Aman, I..."
"What's wrong?" Aman asked.
Fu Yunxiu looked at her for a long time, but in the end he still couldn't speak, so he could only change his words, "I might be very busy these days, and I probably won't have time to come to Wutong Garden to see you."
“Oh, what else could I possibly say?” Aman chuckled. “I’ve heard about what happened at the Marquis’s residence. Young master, you just do your thing. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Hmm,” Aman’s thoughtfulness made Fu Yunxiu feel even more conflicted. He patted Aman’s head and said, “After we’re done with this busy period, I’ll take you out for a walk to relax.”
"Okay." Aman nodded gently.
After having breakfast, Fu Yunxiu got up to leave, and Aman saw him off at the door.
Upon reaching the door, Fu Yunxiu turned and embraced Aman. His arms were wrapped tightly around Aman, as if he wanted to meld her into his very being, to make her part of his very being.
Aman sensed his unease from his movements and gently patted his back. "What's wrong?"
"Aman, no matter what happens, you won't leave me, right?" Fu Yunxiu asked. He desperately wanted an answer to calm his anxious heart.
Aman didn't understand where his emotions came from, but at this moment, she knew that Fu Yunxiu needed comforting rather than questioning.
She hugged him and said softly, "Of course."
Hearing the answer he wanted, Fu Yunxiu chuckled and placed a deep kiss on Aman's lips. "Wait for me."
No matter what happens, please wait for me.
"good."
After leaving Wutong Garden, Fu Yunxiu went straight to the Marquis's residence.
Inside the main courtyard of the Marquis's residence, Fu Ang, along with a group of clan elders, was arguing fiercely with Fu Changze and his mother.
“Sister-in-law, don’t blame me. Now I am the head of the family appointed by the elders, and it is right for me to live in this courtyard. I advise you not to make a futile struggle. If I am in a good mood, I may be able to let you continue to live in the Marquis’s mansion and enjoy wealth and luxury.”
After being recommended by the clan elders, Fu Ang stopped pretending at all, revealing his ugly, smug face. Even before being appointed by the Emperor, he was eager to move into the Marquis's mansion.
"Second Uncle, everyone knows that the Cheng'an Marquis's residence is a marquis's mansion personally bestowed by His Majesty. Second Uncle is neither the heir apparent nor holds a title. If you were to move in so rashly, wouldn't you be trying to deceive the emperor?" Fu Changze retorted sharply.
"Tch, don't try to pin this on me." Fu Xuan wasn't afraid of what Fu Changze said. "The clan elders have already drafted the memorial, just waiting to send it to the Ministry of Personnel. This Marquis's mansion is mine."
“That’s right, niece-in-law. This is the head of the family personally appointed by the clan chief. Do you not even respect the clan chief’s words anymore?” The clan elder who came with Fu Ang spoke up for him.
They outnumbered and outmaneuvered Fu Changze, who was an orphan and widow, and had little influence, so he couldn't argue with them.
Seeing that the two had nothing to say, Fu Ang waved his hand and said, "Someone, move it for me."
Upon hearing this, the maids and servants who were waiting outside filed in, preparing to move out the older items from the main courtyard and replace them with the furnishings that Fu Ang was used to.
The servants, acting on Fu Ang's orders, secretly ransacked the things that Fu Xuan had used in the courtyard, causing chaos in the main courtyard.
Lady Liu watched helplessly as her husband's favorite fish tank was destroyed, the fish inside thrashing about wildly until they were trampled into a pulp.
Fu Ang was extremely satisfied with the chaos. He then turned to look at Steward Xu, who had been restrained by his men, and said, "Xu Wen, I advise you not to make any futile struggles. Hand over the guards' token as soon as possible, and you can avoid some physical pain."
To avoid trouble, Fu Xuan had the servants in the Hou residence locked up early in the morning, and Steward Xu was also detained by someone he had arranged beforehand.
"Pah! You think you're worthy of being the head of the Marquis's mansion? The only true head of the Marquis's mansion is the eldest son, Fu Yunxiu. I advise you to give up on that idea as soon as possible."
"He's got a tough nut to crack." Fu Xuan said with a smile, raising his foot and kicking Butler Xu in the chest. Butler Xu was kicked to the ground, clutching his chest and panting heavily.
Fu Ang patted the soiled corner of his clothes and said gently, "Since you refuse to listen to reason, take him away and serve him well."
"Yes." Several servants accepted the order and dragged Steward Xu towards the courtyard. But just as they reached the door, they were kicked back into the house.
Two burly men fell to the ground in the courtyard. The noise startled the maids who were carrying things nearby. Their hands trembled, and a priceless glass vase fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.
"What's wrong with you? You're so clumsy, you can't even do this little thing right." Fu Ang saw the broken pieces on the ground and kicked them, but then he heard a familiar voice coming from the doorway.
"Second Uncle has quite the airs. A commoner like him dares to come to my Marquis's mansion and smash things up."
Fu Yunxiu appeared at the doorway, his tone mocking, "Anyone who didn't know better would think that the Cheng'an Marquis's mansion is deserted!"
"elder brother."
"Yun Xiu".
Upon seeing Fu Yunxiu, Fu Changze and his mother immediately felt reassured. Madam Liu became even more assertive, saying, "Fu Ang, now that the heir of my Marquis's mansion has returned, what else do you have to say?"
But Fu Ang was not afraid at all.
"Young Master?" He looked Fu Yunxiu up and down, then sneered, "Now, I am the head of the Fu family, so this marquisate should naturally be mine. Elders, don't you agree?"
“That’s natural. Fu Xuan was appointed as the head of the family through discussions within the clan. As the head of the family, he should naturally inherit the title.”
Some people spoke firmly and echoed the sentiment, while others were more gentle and explained to Fu Yunxiu, "Yes, Yunxiu, Yunting is in trouble, and you're not in Yongzhou. This huge Marquis's mansion has already turned into a complete mess. Someone has to step up and take charge, right?"
"Taking charge of the overall situation," Fu Yunxiu sneered, "Whether it's taking charge of the overall situation or taking advantage of the chaos, Second Uncle should know best."
"You..." Fu Ang was speechless with anger, but he quickly recovered and snorted coldly, "Hmph, the matter is already settled, and even if you are unhappy, it will not change anything. As your second uncle, I would also like to advise you that a wise person knows when to yield and think about your mother and this whole family."
"It seems that Second Uncle thinks everything will be fine once Chen is dead, and he's speaking with much more confidence now." Fu Yunxiu chuckled as he glanced at all of Fu Xuan's people present, then changed the subject, "But who told you that things are already a done deal?"
"Hmph, nonsense." Fu Ang coldly flicked his sleeve, ignoring Fu Yunxiu, and shouted at the servants, "Keep moving."
Before the words were finished, a shrill voice with a sharp and imposing tone came from outside the courtyard, "His Majesty has issued an edict."
Fu Ang looked at the Imperial Guards filing in one after another, feeling somewhat lost, until a middle-aged man dressed as a eunuch entered. Upon seeing this, Fu Yunxiu smiled and went to greet him, "Eunuch Su, why did you come in person? If I had known, I should have gone outside to greet you."
Previously, when His Majesty had a message to convey to Shen Yan, Eunuch Su came in person. Fu Yunxiu was also there at the time, and the two had met before, but they were not exactly close.
Given Fu Yunxiu's current enthusiasm, and the fact that Eunuch Su was a shrewd and perceptive man who could tell the situation at a glance, Su went along with him and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. It would be safer for me to personally deliver His Majesty's edict."
Seeing the astonished expressions on the faces of the old folks in the clan, Fu Yunxiu had achieved his goal and nodded slightly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Eunuch."
Fu Yunxiu took two steps back, and Eunuch Su took out a handwritten edict from his robes and shouted again, "His Majesty has issued a decree."
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" a group of people shouted, and they all knelt down on the ground.
Grandpa Su said:
His Majesty decrees that Fu Yunxiu, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Cheng'an, is of pure and virtuous character, and Shen Jiao, the younger sister of General Shen Yan, is of beautiful age, virtuous and kind, and intelligent and wise. The two are a perfect match, and are ordered to choose a date to marry. This is the imperial decree.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for bestowing this marriage upon us. Long live the Emperor!"
Fu Yunxiu accepted the imperial edict, and Mantou stepped forward at the opportune moment, took out a bag of silver and stuffed it into the hands of Eunuch Su.
"It's just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find it offensive, Father-in-law. I'm really too busy with household chores, so I won't keep you for tea. I hope you'll understand." Fu Yunxiu looked embarrassed.
Eunuch Su took the purse; it was quite heavy. His smile widened. "Young Master, what are you saying? Every family has its own troubles."
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully behind Fu Ang, occasionally stealing a glance at his clan elders. "When a family business grows large, it's inevitable that some maggots will jump around. Just get rid of them."
“What you say is true, Father-in-law.” Fu Yunxiu nodded in agreement.
"In that case, I won't bother you any longer. His Majesty is waiting for me to be reinstated. Farewell."
"Take care, sir."
After seeing Eunuch Su out, Fu Yunxiu returned to the main courtyard. The elders immediately changed their expressions, approaching him with smiles. "Yunxiu, when did you meet Eunuch Su? And you're so familiar with him?"
"That's right, why did His Majesty suddenly bestow a marriage upon you out of the blue?" The betrothed was actually the sister of the Protector General.
Now that the Marquis's mansion has declined, the arrival of the sister of the Protector General is practically considered a marriage downgrade.
"Yunxiu, tell me quickly, what exactly happened during your trip to the capital these past few days?"
The clan elders, who had previously looked down on Fu Yunxiu with disdain, now wore fawning and obsequious expressions. Fu Yunxiu remained silent, glancing past them at Fu Ang behind him.
Fu Ang glared at him, his eyes reddening, looking as if he wanted to devour him.
Fu Yunxiu's mood improved even more, and he said with a smile, "It's just a coincidence. When we set a date to go to the General's Mansion to propose marriage, we'll have to trouble the elders to make the trip."
"Of course, of course," several people echoed, afraid that if they were a step too late, this good thing would be taken by someone else.
What a joke! That's the residence of the Protector-General of the Nation, a place of immense prestige.
Fu Yunxiu had anticipated the defection of several people long ago. He had said before that people who could win hearts with gold and silver would one day abandon you for gold and silver as well.
Fu Yunxiu's smile widened as he looked at Fu Ang, who was gritting his teeth, "As an elder, Second Uncle shouldn't refuse, right?"
Fu Yunxiu deliberately emphasized the word "elder" to mock Fu Ang for using his seniority to intimidate others.
"His Majesty's edict acknowledges my elder brother's status as the heir of the Marquis of Cheng'an. My second uncle still wants to usurp the throne. Does he intend to defy the imperial decree?" Fu Changze asked.
Fu Ang didn't say anything, just snorted coldly and left.
As soon as he left, his entourage of servants and maids followed suit. The elders, not wanting to linger, exchanged a few more words with Fu Yunxiu before also departing.
The main courtyard, which had been noisy just moments before, fell silent instantly.
Fu Changze broke free from his restraints, stood up, and looked at the edict in Fu Yunxiu's hand with a puzzled expression. "Brother, what exactly is going on?"
Fu Yunxiu did not answer him, but instead instructed Mantou, "Go and release all the people Fu Ang has imprisoned. Steward Xu is injured, find a doctor to examine him."
"Yes," Mantou nodded in agreement.
Fu Ang arrived in a menacing manner, immediately locking up all the servants in the Marquis's mansion, fearing someone might tip him off. Fortunately, the young master returned last night without informing anyone, which gave him the opportunity to sneak out through a side door.
Fu Yunxiu didn't want to talk much about the deal with the General's Mansion, so he could only make up some excuses, "I'll tell you about this when I have the chance. Such a big commotion just now must have frightened Mother. I'm going to check on her."
Tell her that her beloved son, whom she has been missing so much, is alright now.
As if fleeing in disarray, Fu Yunxiu left the main courtyard hastily without giving Fu Changze another chance to ask questions. Fu Changze watched his retreating figure, repeatedly muttering a few words to himself.
What he wanted to ask was, what should we do about Aman?
“Mother.” Fu Changze turned to look at Madam Liu. No one knows a son better than his mother. Madam Liu quickly understood what he was thinking and shook her head disapprovingly. “Your eldest brother also has his own difficulties. You should not interfere in this matter, and you should not say a word.”
After leaving the main courtyard, Fu Yunxiu's straight back suddenly bent over.
He knew what Fu Changze wanted to ask, and he was even more afraid that Fu Changze would ask that question.
To this day, he still hasn't figured out how to bring it up with Aman.
He didn't want to hurt Aman, and he didn't want to see the disappointment in Aman's eyes.
Fu Yunxiu gripped the edict tightly in his hand. Although he didn't know why it was a handwritten edict instead of an imperial decree, he was genuinely relieved when he heard it was a handwritten edict.
If it's a written order, it will save him a lot of trouble in the future when he divorces Shen Jiao.
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